A Step-By-Step Guide to Child Custody

Filing custody means doing everything in your power to become the custodial parent. Accurately relaying your story to the judge in court is essential to get custody. However, several other steps are involved in this process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you become the custodial parent:

Speak With a Lawyer  

Hire a lawyer or schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to learn more about your chances. A lawyer will help you understand the rules of the court. They will help you learn child custody laws in your region or province and provide you with instructions on improving your chances of winning in court.

Access Custody Resources

Many countries make child custody information available online. This includes the forms required to file the case. Print these forms out at your home to avoid going all the way to the courthouse. Carefully fill each form. Don’t leave any boxes empty, and avoid overwriting.

Visit a Local Courthouse

You can file for child custody in person or ask your lawyer to do it for you. If you’re filing yourself, carefully understand the clerk’s instructions. Although a clerk can’t give legal advice, they can help you prepare for your hearing.

Prepare for the Court Date

You’ll need to prepare for the court before the hearing. Rehearse your statements and claims. Enlist all your issues on a paper and narrow it down to those you wish to address in court. The first hearing will take 15 to 20 minutes. Therefore, think wisely and prepare well before the first hearing.

Attend the Hearing

It’s crucial that you attend the hearing on time. Don’t be late and present yourself well. Dress professionally so that the court can consider you as the custodial parent.

Present Your Case

Your time to present your case will be brief. Stay calm and speak clearly when you’re asked to. Weigh your words, and don’t be unnerved by anything the opposition says.

1. Abide by The Judge’s Decision

Whatever the judge rules, abide by it. If you don’t get custody, you can appeal again. In the meantime, do what the court recommends. Take parenting classes, get a better job, and prove that you’re fit to care for your child.

To get in touch with an experienced child custody lawyer in the UK, contact Wembley Solicitors. Our solicitors also handle other legal matters like immigration appeals, discretionary leaves, spouse visa applications in London, etc.